Recommended good practice is to spend at least 15 to 20 minutes preparing for a coaching session. This time should be spent:
- Reviewing previous coaching conversations with this coachee and planning how to approach this session
- Reflecting on the questions, which might give them insight into the issue they are bringing for discussion today. (It is to be expected that they will send you a brief email outlining what they want to talk about, at least a few hours ahead.)
- Preparing mentally for the coaching session, so you are in a relaxed, open and creative mental state.
Some useful questions to structure your reflections:
- What issues did we discuss last time?
- What do we want to do to review progress on this and other issues?
- How have I helped this coachee in the past?
- What concerns do I have about this conversation? Am I looking forward to it?
- What feedback do I want to give the coachee? How do I expect them to respond (or how can I make sure they respond positively?)
- What do my instincts tell me about this coachee and their current/ long-term needs?
- What do I need to do to create a safe and open environment for the coaching conversation?
- (Line manager as coach only) How might I be contributing to the problems the coachee is experiencing?
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